It has been a long held belief (misunderstanding) among most people that duplication and replication are the same thing. After all, to replicate and to duplicate are just a sophisticated way of saying "to copy" right? Well, technically replication and duplication do mean "copy", but the words are not interchangeable. Both duplication and replication are processes that copy a master disc, but each process uses different methods and has their own advantages. We believe it helps to be informed of the difference between the two so that you will know which process better fits your production needs.

Duplication
CD/DVD duplication involves taking pre-made CD or DVD recordable discs, such as a CD-R or DVD-R, and records them using a write laser. This laser "burns" information directly onto the disc at speeds depending on the drive they are inserted into. After a couple minutes depending on size of information being copied and the speed of the drive, the discs are finished. When they are removed, they are identical copies of the master disc.

Duplication is great when you have low volume quantities, 5000 or less, or you are on a short time table and need discs within 5 days. Duplication also offers full color digital printing for those high quality prints.

Replication
The replication process is different than the duplication process in several ways.

Unlike duplication, replication does not require blank CD or DVD discs, but instead discs are created at the manufacturer with your information on them, or in other words, made from scratch. In order to do this, replication first requires that a glass master disc copy be made. Next, the glass master is used to create what is called a stamper, and it is this stamper that will help create the actual discs. The stamper is then placed inside in an injection-molding machine and plastic is injected to create a perfect copy.

Replications is the best choice for when you have high volume, 1000 discs or more, and have some time to spare. Replicated discs are printed using silkscreen or offset printing methods and most replication manufactures can auto assemble discs into CD jewel cases, paper sleeves, DVD cases, and cardboard sleeves, but other CD/DVD packaging choices are also available.

When you need professional CD, DVD, and Blu-ray duplication services, you can count on the experts at CDROM2GO to get the job done! We take care of everything from duplication and replication to printing, packaging, and even mail fulfillment!



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